Other Artistic Mementos Contextualized by Everyday Writing

Fig. 1, A graduation gift made by Tatyana Esquilin for her friend who was moving from Jacksonville, Florida to Cincinnati, Ohio, to attend Northern Kentucky University.

Figure 1 shows handmade string art that was given to a friend as a graduation present. By itself, the art shows the states of Florida, Ohio and Kentucky, with a dotted pathway in between, indicating that the recipient is moving away. The words “Wherever you go” bring meaning to the piece, but that meaning is left up to the interpretation of the reader. Rather than indicating specifically what the message is meant to say, the words have a sort of obscure meaning, and the implied blank at the end of the text can be filled with many different phrases that create a different message. Regardless, the words themselves raise the sentimental value of the artwork.

Fig. 2, A paw imprint, in the shape of a heart, of a family dog that died.

Figure 2 is a memento that memorialized a family pet that has passed away. The simple text “Joanie,” gives significance to the artwork by providing context as to who the artifact is meant to commemorate. The name of the family dog is an intimate detail that provides a connection between the artwork and the audience. By using a material that allows a mold of the dog’s paw prints to be maintained and kept, the creator of the artifact incorporates the dog’s identity into the artwork and presents it as a keepsake for the family.

Fig. 3, A small-canvas multi-media art piece done by Angela Villanueva for Tatyana Esquilin as a graduation gift. .

Fig. 4, The back of the canvas has the words "I love you Taty!" written in Villanueva's handwriting.

Lastly, figure 3 is a small-canvas multi-media piece of art with the words “I love you Taty,” along with the signature of the creator, written on the back. The materiality of the art piece itself consists of a small canvas, paint, and piece of a book page containing a portrait drawing of the recipient. The work itself has significant meaning due in large part to its materiality. The pansexual flag colors represent the creator’s recognition and support of the recipient’s sexuality and the worded paper represents the creator’s main connection to the recipient through journalism class. Although the piece of art already contains a clear and intimate message on its own, the words “I love you,” elevate the meaning and signify the relationship between the author and audience.